Chinese tourist charged over Otago road death

A Chinese tourist has been charged over an Otago crash which killed a talented photographer on Saturday.

Riley Baker, 26, suffered critical injuries when he was allegedly hit by a car which crossed the centre line on State Highway 1 in east Otago. It's understood a car collided with a motorbike near the Shag Point turn off north of Palmerston.

Shanghai man Limin Ma, 41, appeared before a registrar at the Dunedin District Court on a charge of careless driving causing injury this morning and has surrendered his passport. He will reappear in court next week, where an upgraded charge is possible.

Tributes have started flowing in for Mr Baker on Facebook with friends describing him as a "very talented photographer" and a "great man" who inspired people. He worked as a computer technician and freelance photographer, taking out this year's Otago Wildlife Photography Competition.